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FUTURES A STUDY IN WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE FUTURE

AND WHY IT MATTERS IN YOUR LIFE TODAY.

Isaiah 45:21-22, Isaiah 46:9-10, John 14:29

Recording Number SMX-1026 March 14, 2021

THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE:

Approaching

The “Who, What, When Where and Why” of the Future Teachings of the Bible.

Part 7

SUBJECT TOPICALLY REFERENCED UNDER:

Last Days, Eschatology, Bible Prophecy, Current Events

Introduction to the Texts

Congregational Reading

Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare;

Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

Isaiah 45:21-22 Declare what is to be, present it — let them take counsel together. Who

foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and Savior; there

is none but me. :22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 46:9-10 For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,

:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done…

John 14:29 “And now I have told you before it comes,

that when it does come to pass, you may believe.

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Psalm 107:20

He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His

wonderful works to the children of men!

If you were going to begin a new church work in a community, in a city - - If you were going to begin

an outreach to others

If you were going to cast a vision, a purpose for this new work, you would be careful to do it according to the Scriptures

- - If you were going to begin an outreach to others

And if you were going to set this new church up for spiritual success, you would be sure to establish it for the long haul –

until Christ returns! - - That’s if you were going to begin an outreach to others

According to the Apostle Paul The reality of Jesus’ approaching was of the utmost importance –

it was even his motivation.

Just the word; “Approaching” paints a picture in our minds. There’s the image of an approaching storm or that of an approaching

train. What about an approaching date or an approaching event.

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another in order to stir (stimulate, provoke,

challenge) up love and good works, (treasured behavior) 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some (to turn back or away from. an apostate) , but exhorting one another, and so much the more

as you see the Day approaching.

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“We have Apps on our phones telling us that there is a cold front approaching and there is going to be a 70% chance of rain that it will

begin between 6 and 7 pm tonight.”

“Jesus Christ is Coming Soon!” “But is there an “App for that?” - - Yes, It’s called the Bible!

Maui Church https://images.app.goo.gl/NCKhE4B1uALGU6xy8

Maui Church

https://images.app.goo.gl/92BELDdAaz8zh7uV7

And From Here We Begin… 1Thessalonians 1:4-5

Knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

Right from the outset, Paul encourages them regarding their salvation.

Such assurance generated personal ministry.

1Thessalonians 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia

and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out,

And Paul reminds them of what their motivation was (is). 1Thessalonians 1:10

and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

(#1) Your salvation is secured in Messiah. (#2) Your ministry is always now. and you (#3) are to be eyes on Him.

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Media Que

Approaching

1.) Is the times of the signs

“But pastor Jack, why would any of this matter to me?” you ask. Because God gave us all of these future events to better equip us in every way.

Matthew 24:1-4a

Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left

here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” :3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of

the age?” :4a And Jesus answered and said to them:

In the same fashion, the Bible tells us that there are End Times Event Signs or Signals - Indicators to know:

Matthew 24:4

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ,’

and will deceive many. Spiritual Deception & Cults will play an increasing role in the Last Days drama.

Matthew 24:6

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. Wars & World Wars will play an increasing role in the Last Days drama.

Matthew 24:7

For (ethnos, races) nation will rise against (ethnos, races) nation, Racism will play an increasing part of the Last Days drama.

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Matthew 24:7b

and kingdom (basileia) against kingdom. Politicals vs. Politicals will play an increasing part of the Last Days drama.

Matthew 24:7c And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various

places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. Natural Disasters will play an increasing part of the Last Days drama.

Luke 21:25-26

“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26

(Listen now - think Covid) men’s hearts will fail them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming upon the earth, for the powers of

the heavens will be shaken.

Media Que Approaching

2.) Is the witness of the Scriptures

The Biblical Record of Performance. (fulfillment)

Ezekiel 12:25

For I am the LORD. I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass; it will no more be postponed; for in your days, O rebellious house, I will say the

word and perform it,” says the Lord GOD.’ ”

Isaiah 42:9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare;

Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”

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Isaiah 45:21-22 Declare what is to be, present it — let them take counsel together. Who

foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and Savior; there

is none but me. :22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 46:9-10

For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, :10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times

things that are not yet done…

John 14:29 “And now I have told you before it comes,

that when it does come to pass, you may believe.

Proverbs 30:4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the

ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know?

2Peter 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a

light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts;

1Pet. 1:20-21 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was

manifest in these last times for you :21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith

and hope are in God.

Media Que Approaching

3.) Is the reason for faith

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3.) Is the reason for faith

Faith’s conception happens when our questions are answered.

1Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But

do this with gentleness and respect,

“The foundation to Christian faith is not based upon our ability to defend it, it is based upon our willingness to know it.”

Acts 17:2

Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them (his jeish breather), and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

What a Definitive Statement this is…

Jude 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common

salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend (from which we get the english word agonize) earnestly for the faith which was

once for all delivered to the saints.

Jude 3c which was (faith) once for all delivered to the saints.

Meaning that the Scriptures are certain, unchanging, firm and immovable.

{ young people need to hear this today – God doesn’t peddle Jell-O nor does He test the wind }

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Media Que Approaching

4.) Is the clearer understanding

As we advance along God’s prophetic timeline, more and

more of the bible’s prophecies become clearer.

Daniel 12:4 ( close it up daniel )

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; (the qualifier is) many shall run to and fro, and

knowledge shall increase.”

( the 4+1 world governing empires were revealed in the book of Daniel; when there was only one of them )

Revelation 1:3

( let it go john ) Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and

keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Read it. Hear it. Preach it. Do it.

Revelation 19:10 I (John) fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not

do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Dr John Walvoord Writes; “Here, verse 10 is a most significant: “The testimony of Jesus

is the spirit of prophecy……”

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…..This means that prophecy at its very heart is designed to unfold the beauty

and loveliness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In this present age, therefore, the Spirit of God is not only to glorify Christ but to show believers

things yet to come as they relate to His person and majesty. Jesus Christ is not only the major theme of the Scriptures

but He is also the central theme of Bible prophecy.”

Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost Dallas Theological Seminary - Dallas Texas 1958

The day in which we live has witnessed a surge of interest in biblical

eschatology. Whereas a generation ago one theologian wrote: “eschatology is usually loved in inverse proportion to the square of the mental diameter of those who do the loving.” The theologian who, a short generation ago, could either

ignore eschatological questions entirely, or treat them disdainfully, is outmoded in his thinking if he adopts such an attitude today. The easy optimism of the

past generation has been shattered by two world wars, economic depression and inflation, with the accompanying social and moral evils. The humanistic emphasis that characterized that theological thinking has proved fallacious.

Realism has taken the place of optimism, and men have been forced to turn to eschatological considerations as the source of hope for a sin-cursed world. The Bible and the revelation it contains proves to be the one source of hope

and confidence for the future, and men are turning more and more to it for light in this present darkness.”

Media Que Approaching

5.) Is the increasing darkness

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5.) Is the increasing darkness

I must this morning “pain you” with the obvious.

• This worlds unwillingness to address evil.

• This words determination to suppress good.

• This worlds headlong passion toward wickedness.

( all of these things will cause the follower of Jesus Christ to get even more ready )

Isaiah 5:20-21 amplified version

What sorrow awaits those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.

21 What sorrow awaits for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.

Media Que Approaching

6.) Is the greater hope

Titus 2:13

Looking (active, present) for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

1Thessalonians 5:9

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

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The Greater Hope

(a = Church) THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH. (b = Israel)) THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST TO ISRAEL.

1a. At the Rapture - Jesus appears in the atmosphere to receive His church only. 1b. At the Second Coming - Jesus returns to Israel with His church. 2a. At the Rapture – All church age believers go up to meet Christ 2b. At the Second Coming – All church age believers come down with Christ 3a. At the Rapture - Christians are taken to the Father's House 3b. At the Second Coming – Christians return from the Father's House 4a. At the Rapture – There is no judgment on earth 4b. At the Second Coming – Christ comes to judge all the nations of the earth 5a. At the Rapture – Only the Church sees and hears Christ appearing 5b. At the Second Coming – Unbelievers will see and hear Christ returning. 6a. At the Rapture – The timing is imminent and sudden. 6b. At the Second Coming – The timing is chronological & sequential. 7a. At the Rapture – There are no prerequisite events or signs required. 7b. At the Second Coming – Multiple prerequisites and signs are required. 8a. At the Rapture – The church is the focal point 8b. At the Second Coming – Israel is the focal point 9a. At the Rapture – There is great joy and comfort 9b. At the Second Coming – There is great weeping and sorry. 10a. At the Rapture – All believers are suddenly changed. 10b. At the Second Coming – No believers are suddenly changed. 11a. At the Rapture – There is no mention of Satan being bound. 11b. At the Second Coming – Satan is bound in for 1,000 years 12a. At the Rapture – God’s promise to deliver the church from His wrath is fulfilled. 12b. At the Second Coming – God’s promise wrath is fulfilled. 13a. At the Rapture – The Church is taken up to heaven and judged at the Bema Seat. 13b. At the Second Coming – All Nations are Judged at Jerusalem.

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14a. At the Rapture – The 7-year Tribulation Period begins. 14b. At the Second Coming – The 7-year Tribulation Period ends. 15a. At the Rapture – There is no Marriage Feast of Lamb in heaven 15b. At the Second Coming – There is the Marriage Feast of Lamb on earth

FOR COMFORT. FOR PEACE. FOR JOY. FOR ASSURANCE. FOR HOPE.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the

world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

Titus 2:13 Looking for the blessed hope

Colossians 3:4 When Christ who is our life appears, then

you also will appear with Him in glory.

Galatians 5:5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for

the hope of righteousness by faith.

Media Que Approaching

7.) Is the one moment that matters most

Time is measured & experienced on a linear scale

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Every millennium can be reduced to a centuries which are reduced to decades which are reduced to years which are reduced to months and months to weeks

and weeks to days to hours to minutes, minutes to seconds.

( a ____________________________________ z )

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord,

“Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:11 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and,

“What you see, write in a book and send it

Revelation 21:6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega,

the Beginning and the End.

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,

the First and the Last.”

“Be Watching” as in “Be Being” in a state of watchfulness. This, an exhortation from Jesus Christ Himself, (wait for it)

Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.

Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief (+), and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

To be in a State of Expectancy To be living in a State of Expectancy - “being ready” means that we (#1) be

remembering (reviewing God’s faithfulness). (#2) it means that we be (hanging on to Jesus) in the midst of our current struggle and (#3) it means that we be in

a perpetual state of renewal.

!!! Note the effect this will have upon us on a daily basis !!!

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Watch grk: gregoreuo, gray-gor-yoo´-o; to keep awake,

alert, attentive, vigilant.

Hour grk: hora; signifying a time or a period of time. a time-frame or a collection of hours within a day or a set period of hours. (to be standing “in the theater of time” – “in the moment”

A promise given to the waiting, watching – vigilant believer

Revelation 3:10-11a Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who

dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have,

Quickly grk: tachu; without delay, swiftly, suddenly. (the word implies that once the signal or word or approval is given then instantly the act or scene begins.)

The Sovereign God of The Bible Knows

He knows your beginning and He knows your ending. He knew the when and where you would be born, He knows the when and where of the day and the hour

of your death. He knows right now how you will die.

2Corinthians 6:1-2 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the

grace of God in vain. 2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you,

And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

__________ End of Study __________

Copyright © Sunday, March 14, 2021 by Jack Hibbs